About Us

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The Geotechnical Research Centre (GRC) strives to conduct geotechnical and related interdisciplinary research with emphasis on interfacing with industry. Western has a strong geotechnical program at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The seven faculty members forming the Geotechnical Research Centre, together with nine associate members, are investigating a range of challenging geotechnical and geoenvironmental problems. 

Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental faculty members are very active in research, supervise graduate students, and produce numerous publications in different areas of geotechnical engineering including soil mechanics, rock mechanics, foundation design, geoenvironmental engineering, tunnels, underground structures, dams, soil improvement, soil and foundation dynamics and earthquake engineering. They are involved in many projects both as consultants and researchers. 

In large complex projects, the centre pulls the appropriate experience of the executives and associate members together and work as a team to meet the challenge.

Graduate studies in geotechnical engineering at Western offer different programs including PhD, MESc and MEng.  Currently, there are 75 graduate students, with 44 in the PhD program, 21 in the MESc program and 10 in MEng program supervised by GRC Research Directors.  The graduate program offers courses taught by Geotechnical, Geoenvironmental and other faculty.